e-News Edition #20

Date: 06-Mar-2024

Hot Topics

1. CEO Message

2. The countdown to our 2024 Conference and Exhibition has begun!

3. DCCEEW - Restoring Our Rivers: Draft Framework for Delivering 450 GL of Additional Environmental Water

4. Review of the non-urban metering framework

5. 2024 Training Courses - Unlock your potential in an essential industry!

6. Secure a spot in our upcoming Autumn Journal and Overflow Editions

1. CEO Message

Apologies to all for the delay since the last edition, we have had some excellent new staff commence, a bit of unplanned leave to manage and a lot of activity with training ramping up for the year, board and major committee meetings.

Welcome to Amy Haldane who has commenced as our RTO’s compliance and funding coordinator – on day one she had to contend with sourcing materials for a major audit of one of our state funding programs and it’s yet to slow down. Amy brings a wealth of RTO experience and has quickly introduced a number of system improvements as we prepare for renewal of our registration and ASQA audit this year.

The September conference continues to shape up very well with strong exhibition sales and growing sponsorships. Plenty of discussions still underway but we are thrilled to welcome Franklin Electric as Principal Event Sponsor. Sponsors and exhibitors contribute by far the greatest proportion towards the overall conference budget and the support provided by manufacturers, service providers and other corporates to our industry is incredible. If you are coming to Sydney, please make sure you visit the exhibition and return that support in kind.

I’ve previously reported a review of our Association’s Constitution and we have commissioned Governology, a legal firm specialising in Associations to undertake a complete rewrite. Having said that, it’s about modernising and making the document easier to interpret – there is no fundamental change to intent. We anticipate having a mapping document distributed to members in the next couple of months to explain the logic behind the proposed changes.

14-16 February was a big few days with our board’s annual strategy day, board meeting and an all day conference planning session for our Australian ICID committee. It was high-energy and exciting; lots of good ideas with plenty still to work on. We expect registrations to open in March, hopefully including a preliminary program.

For our strategic direction, the board compiled a list of around 10 actions which still need some word-smithing, a new Purpose and other draft revisions to our strategic plan. 

More detail to come in due course. For now, we also hosted the first meeting of the Irrigation Futures Irrigation industry profile and industry policy committee. At the request of that group, we’ve developed a short survey designed to help kick-start the second priority listed above as well as help shape the regional committee renewal process. The link to the survey is here – it will take a bit of thinking but not much writing – we are essentially asking you to help identify your top topics to build into this new approach to representing our industry’s needs to government and other key stakeholders. It would be ideal if we could get responses to collate by Monday 18 March and sent to dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au. Traditionally we haven’t had great responses to surveys – this one is particularly important to make the work useful – here’s your chance to have a crack at what frustrates you most about policy and decision making impacting our industry and hopefully move us closer to some constructive solutions.

2. The countdown to our 2024 Conference and Exhibition has begun!

Irrigation Australia is thrilled to announce the southern hemisphere's premier water event, incorporating the 9th Asian Regional Conference for Irrigation and Drainage, the 75th International Executive Council meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage and 2024 Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition. 

Act swiftly to secure your spot at this premier event, as early bird registrations will soon be available, offering discounted rates for a limited time only.

The Irrigation Australia Exhibition Prospectus and Sponsorship Prospectus for 2024 has been released, offering unparalleled exposure, networking, and business expansion opportunities. Act now to secure your place!

The conference promises a rich program with presenters from around the globe, and a structure designed to maximise interaction. Around 100 exhibitors will showcase the most innovative products and services currently available on the market. We are confident that delegates from across the industry will return home with new connections, new friends, and new ideas to try in their own regions, wherever they may be.


A special thank you to our major 2024 sponsors!

Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of a world-class event that fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among industry professionals.

Whether you are looking to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or establish thought leadership in the industry, our exclusive sponsorship opportunities will ensure that your priorities as a supporter are achieved.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit our event website.


To stay updated on the event and secure your participation, keep an eye on the official event website. By joining this event in Sydney, Australia, you can seize the opportunity to establish valuable partnerships, generate leads, and leave a lasting impact on the future of irrigation.

Stay tuned for further details on early bird registration and how to capitalise on these exclusive opportunities to elevate your brand, expand your network, and drive sales success.

3. DCCEEW - Restoring Our Rivers: Draft Framework for Delivering 450 GL of Additional Environmental Water

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has released the Restoring our Rivers: draft framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water.

The draft framework outlines three key principles that will guide the Australian Government’s approach to recovering the 450 GL target:

  • Enhancing environmental outcomes
  • Minimising socio-economic impacts
  • Achieving value for money.

The draft framework includes information on three new programs that the Government will establish to deliver the 450 GL target:

  • Resilient Rivers Program – infrastructure projects, rules changes, land and water partnerships, commercial mechanisms to contribute to targets temporarily and other ways to recover water.
  • Voluntary Water Purchase Program – purchase of water entitlements from willing sellers.
  • Sustainable Communities Program – community adjustment assistance for Basin communities impacted by voluntary water purchase.

The Resilient Rivers Program Water Infrastructure Program (RRWIP) is also now open. The program will provide Australian Government funding for basin states to propose state-led water recovery projects that will improve water management, reduce water losses in the in the Murray–Darling Basin, and return water to the environment. 

4. Review of the non-urban metering framework

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has released a report which includes feedback provided by stakeholders during consultation on its review of NSW’s non-urban metering framework. Irrigation Australia participated in this review.

Key issues raised included:

  • Cost of compliance
  • Availability of duly qualified persons (DQPs)
  • Call for greater flexibility
  • Simplification
  • Coastal compliance deadline (to be reconsidered)

The report describes possible responses and logic behind them rather than clear recommendations. Clearly the commentary around installer requirements from P21 onwards are directly relevant to Irrigation Australia’s role in training and accrediting DQPs, and we will continue to engage with the department around the issues raised and our training programs will be reviewed with a view to continuous improvement, as well as addressing the broader question of availability of DQPs.

Consistent concerns raised include the cost burden for small water users as well as a general need for simplification and improved access to necessary information.

The feedback outlined in the report is informing the development of a review report to be provided to the Minister for Water.

Please contact dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au for further information, or to provide any further feedback on concerns raised in the report which may assist Irrigation Australia in supporting positive change for the framework.

5. 2024 Training Courses - Unlock your potential in an essential industry!

 Explore Upcoming Courses Here.

Our programs are meticulously crafted to give participants profound knowledge and skills essential for mastering efficient irrigation practices.

Starting soon!

Experience a distinctive blended learning approach, with courses conducted virtually and face-to-face nationwide. Our seasoned trainers, well-versed in the irrigation industry, prioritize hands-on, practical learning in every delivered course.

Seize this opportunity to elevate your skills in this crucial and continually expanding industry!

6. Secure a spot in our upcoming Autumn Journal and Overflow Editions 

We are thrilled to announce editorial and advertisement opportunities for the upcoming Irrigation Australia Autumn Journal and Overflow publications! This is your chance to drive interest from an audience of thousands of irrigation professionals and decision-makers nationwide.

Why feature in the Irrigation Australia Autumn Journal and Overflow?

  • Reach a targeted audience of industry experts, researchers, and key stakeholders involved in the irrigation sector. Position your brand in front of professionals actively seeking innovative solutions and advancements in irrigation technology.
  • Establish your organisation by sharing your expertise, success stories, and industry insights.
  • Boost your brand's visibility and recognition through strategic advertising placements, maximizing your exposure.
  • Engage with like-minded professionals, potential clients, and partners who are passionate about irrigation. Create meaningful connections and uncover collaborative opportunities that can drive your business forward.
  • Expand your market reach and tap into new business opportunities. The Irrigation Australia Spring Journal provides a platform to showcase your products, services, and solutions to various industry professionals, opening doors to untapped markets.
  • Provide valuable insights and educational content to the irrigation community.
  • Tailor your advertisement package to align with your budget and marketing goals. Choose from various options, including full-page ads, half-page ads, and digital ad placements, ensuring you maximize your return on investment. 

View the Journal Media Kit here for more information.

View the Overflow Media Kit here for more information.

Take advantage of the opportunity to advertise in the highly anticipated Journal and Overflow publications. Secure your spot now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the irrigation industry. Contact us today to discuss available options and reserve your editorial and advertisement space today!

For Journal advertising inquiries, please get in touch with Brian Rault at 0411 354 050 or via email at brian.rault@bcbmedia.com.au. 

For Journal editorial inquiries, please get in touch with Eve White at 0410 147 331 or evewhiteediting@gmail.com. 

For Overflow editorial and advertising inquiries, please get in touch with Rebecca New at overflow@irrigation.org.au. 


Click here if you are interested in becoming an Irrigation Australia Member.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

Click here to view the latest Career Opportunities available within the Irrigation Industry.

Back to list

More Reading

Back to list